South Korea - Consular Information Sheet

South Korea Official Info

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: The Republic of Korea (South Korea or ROK) is a highlydeveloped, stable, democratic republic with powers shared between thepresident and the legislature. It has a modern economy, and touristfacilities are widely available. English is often not spoken outside themain tourist and business centers. The Korean National Tourism Organization(KNTO) has a useful web site in English at http://www.knto.or.kr, and it canbe reached in the United States by calling 1-800-868-7567. The KNTO alsooperates a telephone information service in South Korea, which can bereached by calling 757-0086 in Seoul and toll-free at 080-757-2000 in therest of the country. The telephone service has English speakers and isavailable 9:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. every day of the week.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A passport is required. Visas are not required fortourist or business stays up to thirty days. For longer stays and othertypes of travel, visas must be obtained in advance. Changes of status fromone type of visa to another (from tourism to teaching, for example) arenormally not granted in South Korea. Individuals who stay in Korea longerthan the period authorized by Korean immigration are subject to fines andmay be required to pay the fines before departing the country. Individualswho plan to stay longer than the period authorized must apply to Koreanimmigration for an extension in advance.

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, the Korean governmenthas initiated special procedures at entry/exit points. These includerequiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for thechild's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present. Havingsuch documentation on hand may facilitate entry/departure.

For further information on entry requirements, please contact the Embassy ofthe Republic of Korea at 2320 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C.20008, telephone (202) 939-5660/63 or the Korean Embassy Internet home pageat http://www.mofat.go.kr/main/etop/html. South Korean consulates are alsolocated in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Guam, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles,Miami, New York City, San Francisco, and Seattle. The Korean Ministry ofForeign Affairs and Trade has a web site with a directory of all Koreandiplomatic missions worldwide at http://www.mofat.go.kr/en_missions.htm.

While active-duty U.S. military personnel may enter South Korea under theStatus of Forces Agreement (SOFA) with proper Department of Defense (DOD)identification and travel orders, every SOFA family member, civilianemployee and contractor must have a valid passport and, in some cases, aSOFA visa to enter Korea. Active duty military personnel should obtain atourist passport prior to leaving the United States to accommodate off-dutytravel elsewhere in Asia. DOD travelers should consult the DOD ForeignClearance Guide before leaving the United States.

South Korea's new Incheon International Airport is about one to two hoursdrive, depending on traffic, from the Seoul city center. There are nosubways or railways connecting the Incheon International Airport to Seoul,but buses and taxis are available. American citizens must pay an airportdeparture tax, either $12 (US) or Korean won 15,000, when leaving SouthKorea.

DUAL NATIONALITY: The Government of the Republic of Korea does not permitdual citizenship after an individual reaches the age of 21. Americans ofKorean descent who hold dual citizenship under South Korean law and work orstudy in South Korea are usually compelled to choose one or the othernationality soon after reaching 20 years of age. In addition, South Koreancitizen men age 18 and over are subject to compulsory military service. TheGovernment of the Republic of Korea considers an individual to be a citizenof South Korea if the individual's name appears on the family censusregister. A male dual national who has reached the age of 18 may not beallowed to abandon his ROK nationality until he finishes his militaryservice or has received a special exemption from military service.

There have been several instances in which young American men of Koreandescent, who were born and lived all of their lives in the United States,arrived in the ROK for a tourist visit only to be drafted into the SouthKorean army. At least two of these cases involved U.S. citizens of Koreandescent whose names had been recorded on the Korean family census registerat the time of their birth in the United States and who had been unaware oftheir South Korean citizenship. Further information concerningdual-nationality is available at the nearest South Korean consulate orthrough theConsular Affairs' Dual Nationality flyer on the Internet athttp://travel.state.gov/.

SAFETY AND SECURITY: In recent years, the U.S. Embassy and U.S. militaryinstallations throughout the Republic of Korea have taken steps to increasesecurity at all facilities. U.S. citizens in the Republic of Korea shouldreview their own personal security practices, be alert to any unusualactivity around their homes or businesses, and report any significantincidents to local police authorities.

CRIME INFORMATION: Although the crime rate in the Republic of Korea is low,in major metropolitan areas, such as Seoul and Pusan, there is a greaterrisk of pickpocketing, purse-snatching, assaults, hotel room burglaries, andresidential crime, and foreigners can be targeted. U.S citizens are morelikely to be targeted in known tourist areas, like Itaewon and other largemarket areas. Americans should stay alert, be aware of personalsurroundings and exercise caution. Travelers may reduce the likelihood ofencountering incidents of crime by exercising the same type of securityprecautions that they would take when visiting any large city in the UnitedStates.

The emergency number to reach the police anywhere in South Korea is 112.English interpreters may be available. The Korean National Police (KNP)operate a Central Interpretation Center (CIC) where foreigners can reportincidents of crime. The CIC is available on a twenty-four hour,seven-day-a-week basis. In Seoul, its telephone number is 313-0842; outsideSeoul, its number is (02) 313-0842.

The loss or theft of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to thelocal police and the U.S. Embassy in Seoul. U.S. citizens may refer to theDepartment of State's pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad," for ways to promote atrouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from theSuperintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington,D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.acess.gpo.gov/su_docs, or via theConsular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Health care facilities in the Republic of Korea aregood. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medicalevacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars or more.Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for healthservices. A list of hospitals and medical specialists who speak English isavailable at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul or via the Internet at the ConsularAffairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans toconsult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad toconfirm whether their policy applies overseas and if it will cover emergencyexpenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldomcover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplementalcoverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do notprovide payment for medical services outside the United States. However,many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that willcover health care expenses incurred overseas, including emergency servicessuch as medical evacuations.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should considerthat many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior toproviding service and that a medical evacuation to the United States maycost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medicalcare overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with yourinsurer prior to your trip, please ascertain whether payment will be made tothe overseas healthcare provider or if you will be reimbursed later forexpenses that you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage forpsychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseasinsurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau ofConsular Affairs brochure,"Medical Information for Americans TravelingAbroad," available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page or autofax:(202) 647-3000.

OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations and other healthprecautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control andPrevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP(1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC'sInternet site at http://www.cdc.gov.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S.citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from thosein the United States. The information below concerning South Korea isprovided for general reference only, and it may not be totally accurate in aparticular location or circumstance.

Safety of Public Transportation: GoodUrban Road Conditions/Maintenance: GoodRural Road Conditions/Maintenance: GoodAvailability of Roadside/Ambulance Assistance: Good (However, assistancepersonnel may not be able to speak English.)

Although South Korean roads are well paved, traffic lights function and mostdrivers comply with basic traffic laws, the ROK has a significantly highertraffic fatality rate than the United States. Causes of accidents includeexcessive speed, frequent lane changes, running of red lights, aggressivebus drivers, and weaving motorcyclists. Pedestrians should be aware thatmotorcycles are sometimes driven on the sidewalks, and drivers of all typesof vehicles do not always yield to pedestrians in marked pedestriancrosswalks. It is safer to use pedestrian underpasses and overpasses whereavailable.

Traffic laws in South Korea differ from laws in the United States in somerespects. At many intersections with traffic lights, drivers are notpermitted to make a left-hand turn if there is a green light and no oncomingtraffic; normally there is a green arrow for left-hand turns and drivers mayturn only when the left-hand arrow is illuminated. In most other cases,left-hand turns are prohibited, and drivers must continue until specialu-turn lanes are indicated, where drivers may reverse direction and make aright-hand turn at the desired intersection. Drivers may turn right on ared light after coming to a complete stop. Seat belts are mandatory.Children riding in the front seat of vehicles must wear a seat belt or mustuse an appropriate child car seat. Passengers on motorcycles must wearprotective helmets. An international driving permit issued in the UnitedStates by the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the AmericanAutomobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is required of short-term visitors whodrive in Korea. Otherwise, drivers must have a Korean driver's license.

In all accidents involving an automobile and a pedestrian or motorcycle, thedriver of the automobile, regardless of citizenship, is presumed to be atfault. Police investigations of traffic accidents usually involve longwaits at police stations. Police may request to hold the passport of aforeigner involved in a traffic accident if there is any personal injury ora dispute about the cause of the accident. Criminal charges and heavypenalties are common in accidents involving injury, even if negligence isnot proven. Persons arrested in accidents involving serious injury or deathmay be detained until the conclusion of the police investigation and legalprocess. Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense.People driving in South Korea may wish to carry a disposable camera todocument any traffic accidents, even minor ones.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)has assessed the Government of South Korea's civil aviation authority asCategory 1 - in compliance with international aviation safety standards foroversight of South Korea's air carrier operations.

For further information, travelers may contact the Department ofTransportation within the U.S. at telephone 1-800-322-7873, or visit theFAA's Internet web site at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/. The U.S.Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriersfor suitability as official providers of air services. For informationregarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact the DODat telephone 618-229-4801.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: South Korean customs authorities may enforce strictregulations concerning temporary importation into or export from South Koreaof items such as firearms, explosives, narcotics and prescription drugs,radio equipment, gold, books or other printed material, as well as video oraudio recordings, that might be considered subversive to national security,obscene, or in any way harmful to the public interest and cultural property.

Further, South Korea has customs laws and regulations to prevent the spreadof hoof and mouth disease. Beef and pork products must be declared to SouthKorean customs officials upon arrival. It is advisable to contact theEmbassy of the Republic of Korea in Washington, D.C. or one of the ROKconsulates in the United States for specific information regarding customsrequirements.

Customs officials encourage the use of an ATA (AdmissionTemporaire/Temporary Admission) Carnet for the temporary admission ofprofessional equipment, commercial samples, and/or goods for exhibitions andfair purposes. ATA Carnet Headquarters, located at the U.S. Council forInternational Business, 1212 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036,issues and guarantees the ATA Carnet in the United States. For additionalinformation, please call telephone (212) 354-4480, or send an e-mail toatacarnet@uscib.org, or visit http://www.uscib.org for details.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subjectto that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantlyfrom those in the United States and may not afford the protections availableto the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can bemore severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Personsviolating South Korean laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested,fined, or imprisoned. People arrested in South Korea, even for minoroffenses, may be detained temporarily. Foreigners convicted of crimes inSouth Korea, whether or not sentenced to prison, are commonly deported andmay be banned from returning to the country for several years. Foreignersdeported from Korea must pay for their own plane ticket.

U.S. citizens should be aware that there was one recent case in which a U.S.citizen was prosecuted under the South Korean National Security Law, broadlegislation which makes illegal actions considered subversive or anti-state.In this case, contact by the U.S. citizen with allegedly pro-North Koreafigures in the United States and travel to North Korea formed part of thebasis for prosecution.

Adultery is a crime actively prosecuted in South Korea. Recently, a U.S.citizen was convicted of adultery and sentenced to six months imprisonment.Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in SouthKorea are strict, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences andheavy fines. Travelers should also be careful to adhere to Koreangovernment regulations regarding currency exchange and customs declarations.

PASSPORT SEIZURES/EXIT BANS AND COMMERCIAL DISPUTES: The Government of theRepublic of Korea sometimes seizes the passports and blocks the departurefrom the country of foreigners involved in commercial disputes. In suchcircumstances, the U.S. Government reissues a passport to a U.S. citizen whoapplies for one. The ROK exit ban, however, remains in effect, therebypreventing departure.

DEMONSTRATIONS: Occasionally, political, labor, and student demonstrationsand marches have the potential to become confrontational or violent.American citizens in the Republic of Korea can minimize personal risks tothemselves and their property by avoiding large demonstrations.

WORKING IN SOUTH KOREA: Americans going to the Republic of Korea to work,teach or model (part-time or full-time, paid or unpaid) must enter the ROKusing the appropriate work visa. Changes of status from any other visastatus to a work visa are not granted within the country. Any foreigner whobegins work without the appropriate visa is subject to arrest, costly fines,and deportation. Persons working without a valid work permit and who have acontractual dispute with their employers have little or no entitlement tolegal recourse under South Korean law.

TEACHING ENGLISH: The U.S. Embassy in Seoul receives many complaints fromU.S. citizens who have gone to South Korea to teach English at privatelanguage schools ("hagwon"). The most frequent complaints are that theschools and/or employment agencies misrepresent salaries, workingconditions, living arrangements and other benefits, including healthinsurance, even in the written contracts. There have also been somecomplaints of physical assault, threats of arrest/deportation, and sexualharassment. Some U.S.-based employment agencies have been known tomisrepresent contract terms, employment conditions or the need for anappropriate work visa. A comprehensive handout, "Teaching English in Korea:Opportunities and Pitfalls," may be obtained at theU.S. Embassy in Seoul or via the Consular Affairs home page athttp://travel.state.gov/ under "Travel Publications ."

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS: Legally, North and South Korea remain in a state ofwar. Peace has been maintained on the Korean peninsula under an Armisticefor nearly 50 years. Recently, political, economic, and social contactsbetween North and South Korea have increased significantly. However, thepossibility of military hostilities that could necessitate the evacuation ofU.S. citizens from South Korea cannot be excluded. The U.S. Government hasdeveloped a Non-combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) plan for the evacuationof U.S. citizens. A guide for U.S. citizens about the NEO plan is availableon line at http://www.asktheconsul.org, or at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul.

To provide enhanced protection to the dependents of U.S. military servicemembers and to civilian Department of Defense (DOD) employees and theirfamilies, the DOD provides protective gas masks and hoods to itsnoncombatant community in the Republic of Korea. In addition, the U.S.Embassy provides the same level of protection to its U.S. citizen personneland their dependents. The gas masks and hoods provide the most fundamentallevel of protection in an emergency in which chemical substances arepresent.

These measures do not result from any recent incident. They are a prudentprecaution to further enhance the safety of U.S. Government-affiliatedpersonnel and their families, and are part of a continuing effort to improvethe U.S. Government's overall safety and security posture. If theDepartment of State becomes aware of any specific and credible threat to thesafety and security of U.S. citizens, that information will be provided tothe American public at large.

The U.S. Government is not providing protective equipment to privateAmerican citizens in the Republic of Korea. As always, U.S. citizens shouldreview their own personal security practices and must make their owndecisions with regard to those precautions that they might take to avoidinjury. Those who may wish to acquire protective equipment for personal useshould contact commercial vendors who may be able to provide such equipment.For further information, please refer to the Department of State Fact Sheetentitled, "Chemical/Biological Agent Release," available at Internet addresshttp://travel.state.gov/, or via the autofax by dialing (202) 647-3000 froma fax machine.

Children's Issues: Adoption of South Korean children by foreign nationalsis permitted and is carefully regulated. Any non-Korean wishing to adopt aSouth Korean child is required to work through one of the four ROKGovernment-licensed adoption agencies. This includes U.S. citizens ofKorean ancestry who wish to adopt South Korean-citizen children. Privateadoptions are not allowed. For information on international adoption ofchildren and international parental child abduction, please refer to ourInternet site at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html or telephone(202) 736-7000.

REGISTRATION/EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living in or visiting South Koreaare encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy inSeoul and obtain updated information on travel and security within SouthKorea. The U.S. Embassy is located at 82 Sejong-Ro Chongro-Ku, Seoul,telephone (82-2) 397-4114 fax (82-2) 738-8845. The U.S. Embassy's web pagecan be found at http://usembassy.state.gov/seoul.

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